Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
This blog has previously wrote several articles involving the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case that captivated the country back in 2012 and 2013. The volunteer neighborhood watchman shot teenage Trayvon Martin. Prosecutors called it murder, George Zimmerman’s criminal defense attorney called it self defense. After much media attention, multiple protests and new phrases being introduced into our vocabulary (such as “white hispanic” and “stand your ground”-which was never even used in the trial by either side), the trial ended with a not guilty for Zimmerman.
Now George Zimmerman prepares for ANOTHER trial...but this time he is the alleged victim and the new defendant is charged with his attempted murder!
Same courtroom, same judge; but this time George Zimmerman is back in court as a victim. Unlike his previous trial in 2013, this time George elected to take the stand and testify.
After hearing testimony, the judge ruled that the attempted murder charge can go to trial. The allegations are frighting. On May 11, Winter Park, Florida resident Matthew Apperson fired his .357 revolver at Zimmerman as they drove in separate vehicles.
As a result, Apperson was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
On the witness stand George Zimmerman testified that he was driving on a street alone in his car. Another vehicle, driven by Matt Apperson, approached him rapidly while flashing his lights and honking his horn. The defendant pulled up next to him and began yelling at George.
“Do you remember me, you fat f___? You owe me your life”! Zimmerman testified that after hearing that, he laughed and called Matthew a clown.
At that time he saw into the defendant’s car, noticed a barrel of a gun and then heard a loud bang.
George continued his testimony, claiming that the gunshot went through his windshield, leaving blood on his face and clothes. At first he feared he was shot but a trip to the emergency room confirmed that shattered glass caused the minor injury.
Zimmerman further told the judge that he kept driving until he saw a parked sheriff’s deputy whom he flagged down.
Further testimony suggested that this was not the first time that Apperson and Zimmerman had a confrontation. There were reports back in September 2014 that Matt began taunting and pushing George about his role in the Trayvon Martin shooting.
In an ironic twist, Matthew’s criminal defense lawyer told reporters that his client most likely will claim self defense and may even do a stand-your-ground motion to dismiss.Have you or a loved one been arrested for a violent crime or a firearm offense? Then call the Pinellas criminal defense lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.
The lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handle all criminal and personal injury cases along the Gulf Coast including Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Citrus counties.
To speak directly to your Saint Petersburg criminal defense attorney, click on the contact button or call them at 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!